Zero Turn Mowers?
- Thread starter benk777
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RamThis
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Toro's mower that I'd suggest for the amount of mowing you're doing:
http://www.toro.com/professional/lce/zmaster/z560/74273.html
I chose this one because the Kawasaki engine is a bit more reliable than the Kohler. It has a 72" cut which will knock out the job alot faster, but you may need a smaller swath depending on any gates you'd need to get the machine through, but personally, I'd widen the gate to run a larger swath deck rather than fit the mower to the gate, saves you tons of time over the long run vs. the small hassle of moving a fence post and making a larger gate. JMHO.
Here's the full list of the large frame ZTR mowers from Toro:
http://www.toro.com/professional/lce/zmaster/z500index.html
And the tougher of the two, the Scag Turf Tiger. This thing's a moster, and we sell a TON of these to the commercial guys and people with alot of mowing to do, like yourself.
http://www.scag.com/turftiger.html
Best thing about this unit is, shaft drive PTO. It's tough and will hold up for years and years to come. They are pretty customizeable too, whereas with a Toro, you pretty much get what you get.
And just a note, DO NOT underbuy on your mower. If you get too small of a machine, you will work it to death and no matter WHAT you buy, it will wear out in no time. With 3 acres of mowing, you really, really need to step up to a commercial grade machine. They cost alot initally, but you will make up that difference in downtime and repairs within a few years time, and will be much happier with your purchase.
Hope this helps some.
:
http://www.toro.com/professional/lce/zmaster/z560/74273.html
I chose this one because the Kawasaki engine is a bit more reliable than the Kohler. It has a 72" cut which will knock out the job alot faster, but you may need a smaller swath depending on any gates you'd need to get the machine through, but personally, I'd widen the gate to run a larger swath deck rather than fit the mower to the gate, saves you tons of time over the long run vs. the small hassle of moving a fence post and making a larger gate. JMHO.
Here's the full list of the large frame ZTR mowers from Toro:
http://www.toro.com/professional/lce/zmaster/z500index.html
And the tougher of the two, the Scag Turf Tiger. This thing's a moster, and we sell a TON of these to the commercial guys and people with alot of mowing to do, like yourself.
http://www.scag.com/turftiger.html
Best thing about this unit is, shaft drive PTO. It's tough and will hold up for years and years to come. They are pretty customizeable too, whereas with a Toro, you pretty much get what you get.
And just a note, DO NOT underbuy on your mower. If you get too small of a machine, you will work it to death and no matter WHAT you buy, it will wear out in no time. With 3 acres of mowing, you really, really need to step up to a commercial grade machine. They cost alot initally, but you will make up that difference in downtime and repairs within a few years time, and will be much happier with your purchase.
Hope this helps some.
:
RamThis
New member
benk777 said:
It's not gonna cut it (pardon the pun lol) When mowing that much area, a 2500 "homeowner" unit will die an early death, or you will spend a ton of money keeping it together until you decide you hate that brand of mower, never having known you bought a Nissan pickup to do a job that really requires a 1 ton dually truck.
Mostly you'll be replacing hydro motors, spindle assemblies, deck idlers and belts, and front caster bushings. Some of this may be covered under warranty for a while, but once the warranty runs out, and you are mowing 3 acres with a mower that's really only rated at a quarter to half an acre for regular maintenance, you will get tired of buying expensive parts.
Honestly, 3 acres is alot of area to mow. You are well into commercial mower territory. You need to be at least doubling the figure you plan to spend, if not more.
Of course it may not be in the budget, so no matter what you "need", you may be stuck with whatever you can get your hands on. And if that's the case, just take DAMN good care of it. Grease the spindles before each mowing. Once you get them full initially, make sure you squeeze out a tiny bit with each mowing. Blow the deck off with an air hose or your leaf blower to get all the grass off, change the oil every 25 hours, and oil filter too. make sure the hydro motors are free and clear of grass buildup, cheaper units burn up hydro motors mostly because they get "insulated" with dirt and grass buildup, they run much hotter, and wear out much quicker.
Keeping it super maintained, clean, and greased, will buy you some time with a homeowner unit, as they cannot handle any neglect. Their components are nowhere near the strength of their commercial counterparts. Materials are usually cheaper too.
RamThis
New member
benk777 said:
The Hustler lineup looked like very solid machines. I have not serviced any nor driven one, but the dealer did bring a trailer load of them by trying to get us to take on their line, so I did get to give them a look-see. Didnt really get to look at their hydro pump setup or spindle setup, but the frame and construction was pretty impressive. Looked about compareable to the Scag.
RamThis
New member
Ok, as for the mower choice, I've looked through the TimeCutter ZX series, and the 44" has a Kohler, and it has some better features than the regular homeowner TimeCutter Z series. But the frame is still the basic homeowner frame with the commercial deck and hydros. This would probably hold up ok for you, as long as the area you are mowing is all very smooth. If it's like a half acre of lawn, and 2.5 acres of rough field, you need to stay away from this mower as the frame and front casters will not hold up to that much abuse. The 48" model had a Briggs Intek and I wouldnt suggest one. Too many problems with intake seals on the air filter allowing dirt ingestion, blown head gaskets between the cylinder and pushrod tunnel, etc.
This is the TC ZX Series 44": http://www.toro.com/home/zeroturn/timecutterzx/zx440.html
If the above case is present, you need to look at the Toro Compact Commercial ZTR, the Z440 Pro. It's a smaller frame commercial unit. It's a 48" with the Turbo Force deck. These decks cut beautifully. I can look up this model tomorrow at work and see what we have them listed for so you can get an idea what you're looking at (Toro.com does not list MSRP on commercial equipment because dealers have different prices depending on whether you are a commercial mower, or a homeowner buying it, plus other factors)
Here it is: http://www.toro.com/professional/lce/zmaster/z440/74441.html
This is the TC ZX Series 44": http://www.toro.com/home/zeroturn/timecutterzx/zx440.html
If the above case is present, you need to look at the Toro Compact Commercial ZTR, the Z440 Pro. It's a smaller frame commercial unit. It's a 48" with the Turbo Force deck. These decks cut beautifully. I can look up this model tomorrow at work and see what we have them listed for so you can get an idea what you're looking at (Toro.com does not list MSRP on commercial equipment because dealers have different prices depending on whether you are a commercial mower, or a homeowner buying it, plus other factors)
Here it is: http://www.toro.com/professional/lce/zmaster/z440/74441.html
RamThis
New member
Ok for Scag, if you are looking for 44-48" the Z-Cat will be a bit small at 42". It will hold up fine though, but may take a while longer to mow that much area. In the size range you are talking, the Scag Tiger Cub would fit the bill perfectly, and it's a great mower with a bulletproof frame.
I suggest this model:
STC48V-19KAI
48" Velocity Plus
I suggest this model:
STC48V-19KAI
48" Velocity Plus
RamThis, thanks so much for your help. It is very appreciated. I think I will end up purchasing a Scag, and it will be between the Z-Cat and the Tiger Cub, with price probably dictating the decision.
Would you suggest that I purchase one this fall, or wait until next spring? When would I get the best deal? Do you know if Scag is offering low percentage financing? Thanks again.
Ben
Would you suggest that I purchase one this fall, or wait until next spring? When would I get the best deal? Do you know if Scag is offering low percentage financing? Thanks again.
Ben
RamThis
New member
Ok, I looked up the price on that Scag Tiger Cub, 48" Velocity, and 19HP Kawasaki, and it retails for 6800 at our store.
So, there should be some play room in the price.
Also talked to the shop foreman, who has been to the Scag factory service training and updates for however long they've been around, He's been doing small engines for 17 years and taught it at the local college, so I trust his opinion. I mentioned your situation, what you were mowing in acres, and asked him what Scag unit he suggested. He said the exact same model I listed above. Also said the Z-Cat is a fairly new unit on the market and he doesnt trust it yet, seem some bugs they need to work out.
Also, make sure when you look at the Tiger Cub, they have the two belt deck drive system on it instead of the single belt. This means there will be one belt that goes around the three spindles on the deck with a tensioner idler, then a seperate belt from the electric PTO that goes to a "stack pulley" on the deck to drive it. This is a much better system because the belts are shorter, and cheaper to replace. The single belt system has been having troubles because the belt is so long, and it has to make so damn many turns, which causes heat, and with it being so long they have to tension it tighter to correct for the extra stretch it has, and the fact that the one belt is well over a hundred dollars. The two belt design is just a better design all around. If they say they cant get you one, find another dealer.
So, there should be some play room in the price.
Also talked to the shop foreman, who has been to the Scag factory service training and updates for however long they've been around, He's been doing small engines for 17 years and taught it at the local college, so I trust his opinion. I mentioned your situation, what you were mowing in acres, and asked him what Scag unit he suggested. He said the exact same model I listed above. Also said the Z-Cat is a fairly new unit on the market and he doesnt trust it yet, seem some bugs they need to work out.
Also, make sure when you look at the Tiger Cub, they have the two belt deck drive system on it instead of the single belt. This means there will be one belt that goes around the three spindles on the deck with a tensioner idler, then a seperate belt from the electric PTO that goes to a "stack pulley" on the deck to drive it. This is a much better system because the belts are shorter, and cheaper to replace. The single belt system has been having troubles because the belt is so long, and it has to make so damn many turns, which causes heat, and with it being so long they have to tension it tighter to correct for the extra stretch it has, and the fact that the one belt is well over a hundred dollars. The two belt design is just a better design all around. If they say they cant get you one, find another dealer.
RamThis
New member
Been doing this for about 8 years now, the other 5 years have been building F-16's at Lockheed or building and flying UAV aircraft for a small govt funded company. I love working on aircraft and flying but somehow I always return to the small engines lol.
So, I've been around the block a time or two :biggrin2:
So, I've been around the block a time or two :biggrin2:
Even though I'm cutting a lot of acreage right now my John Deere can handle it fine , A Z turn would be nice , but love my Deere 445. I did 3 acres today and 3 more last thursday and 1 tues. Its built like a little tank , but I also keep it well maintained.
RAM , Hey I'm looking for a set of rubber isolated/housed lights ( similar to the Peterson mfg. tractor lights) BUT in like a 2" or 3" max. dia. size . I've tried to find some with no luck , but if you know of a place I could look up on the web let me know.
RAM , Hey I'm looking for a set of rubber isolated/housed lights ( similar to the Peterson mfg. tractor lights) BUT in like a 2" or 3" max. dia. size . I've tried to find some with no luck , but if you know of a place I could look up on the web let me know.
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RamThis
New member
Falls said:
Are you looking for some externally mounted lights, like on an adjustable stalk, or ones you mount flush in a hole on a flat surface? Headlight type-illumination or something like a red or amber marker/signal type light?
Our old Allis Chalmers tractor had some headlights mounted to the sides, had steel housings, and the glass was suspended in a rubber surround in the housing. Wondering if that's what you're looking for?
Not sure if you're going to find any lights that small though.